Move Anthony Collins To Guard
November 11th, 2014
A versatile and successful Bengals backup before Tampa Bay paid him big bucks in March, left tackle Anthony Collins took quite a slap from a top NFL talent evaluator yesterday.
“The Godfather,” scouting guru Gil Brandt, the architect of legendary Cowboys teams and a current analyst for NFL.com, took his shot.
In a piece looking at teams’ draft needs, Brandt said he’d move Collins out of his current position.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2014 record:1-8 (.464)
Top three needs: OL, pass rusher, QB
Analysis:The Bucs probably could use two offensive linemen. I’d move LT Anthony Collins to guard, where I think he’s better suited, and draft a left tackle. They need to upgrade at quarterback. Josh McCown isn’t a long-term solution and Mike Glennon is a marginal NFL talent.
Top-rated seniors at positional needs: OT: Brandon Scherff (Iowa), Cedric Ogbuehi (Texas A&M), La’el Collins (LSU); Pass rusher: Vic Beasley (Clemson), Alvin Dupree (Kentucky), Owamagbe Odighizuwa (UCLA); QB: Sean Mannion (Oregon State), Garrett Grayson (Colorado State), Bryce Petty (Baylor)
What’s interesting is Brandt thinks the Bucs need two offensive linemen. But if they’re keeping Collins — at guard in this scenario — and drafting a left tackle, then who else on the Bucs’ O-line does Brandt think should get bounced?
Regarding Collins, the list of disappointing 2014 Bucs free agents is lengthy. Collins is near the top of the list, somewhere below defensive end Michael “Casper” Johnson.
Collins has been inconsistent, just what you don’t want from a left tackle. Collins had a few good games and a few bad games, and he didn’t hold up physically. Joe doesn’t knock players for injuries, but left tackle, especially, is a position that demands big time durability.
Collins turns 30 next season, and he’ll be here because of his guaranteed contract. Joe would love to see Collins forced to compete.
November 11th, 2014 at 9:59 am
I’ve been saying and I am sticking to it
1-OT
2-OG
3-Center
QB with 1st pick in 2016
November 11th, 2014 at 10:07 am
Here’s the cold hard facts. Next year Collins will cost the Bucs 6 million. If they cut him, it will save 3 mil, but that leaves 3 mil in dead money. So, find a place for him. Guard would be a good start. But find out now, if he can make the transition. Don’t wait until next year to try out that scenario. That’s just stupid.
November 11th, 2014 at 10:14 am
Vic Beasley he says? If we draft another DE from Clemson I am outta here forever.
November 11th, 2014 at 10:18 am
At least Brandt can clearly see the light of the trenchmob. OLine and Dline need to come first this offseason. QB can wait.
November 11th, 2014 at 10:18 am
This analysis plays right into what I think we should do in the draft…..trade down for extra picks…..fill more needs….and select a QB in round 2 or later like Cook or Petty to compete with Glennon.
I think we need a QB but we have so many other needs….we need the picks.
November 11th, 2014 at 10:24 am
never hire fat under any circumstance….their excuse making lazy will eventually surface
November 11th, 2014 at 10:30 am
@ RastaMon
Glad to see you post something other than “Fire Lovie” (which isn’t going to happen)
You are right to spend multiple picks to build the lines…..a qb is practically worthless with poor protection….look at Cammy last night….or Ryan last season & most of this. You can somwhat include Brees with that group.
November 11th, 2014 at 10:34 am
@skelly, agree, NO MORE CLEMSON PLAYERS PLEASE.
November 11th, 2014 at 10:34 am
The Bucs need draft picks and better performance at key positions. I took a stroll through the Buccaneer roster and believe these players and cap numbers will not return next year.
DaQuan Bowers 1,226,000 not met expectations
Jonathan Casillas 1,400,000 already traded
Mark Barron 3,616,000 already traded
Adrian Clayborn 2,612,000 not met expectations
Oniel Cousins 635,000 too little, too late at LT
Mike Glennon 776,000 traded/ 5th rd pick
Dashon Goldson 8,250,000 salary exceeds performance
Vincent Jackson 11,111,000 traded to Eagles/3rd rd pick
Mike James 520,000 not enough production
Mike Jenkins 1,875,000 injury prone
Leonard Johnson 570,000 too slow, no instincts
Mike Kafka 570,000 not an NFL QB
Michael Koenen 3,250,000 short punts, long salary
Logan Mankins 8,500,000 traded to Pats/4th rd pick
Doug Martin 1,696.000 traded to Bills/3rd rd pick
Luke Stocker 775,000 too much tub, no plays
Total Cap Savings 47,382,000
Current Salary Cap 1,823,000
Proj. 2015 Cap Incr. 10,000,000
Proj. 2015 Cap Space 59,205,000
Notes:
-Vincent Jackson could be traded to the Eagles. They made a big push for him before the trade deadline. He will be 32 in January and has a 12.2mil cap for 2015. At minimum, he will be asked to restructure to remain with the Bucs – too many drops.
-Doug Martin could also be traded to a RB needy team. The Miami Dolphins or Buffalo Bills are likely targets. Bobby Rainey has already displaced him as starting RB. When Charles Sims returns, Martin may become the 3rd RB.
-There are others on this team, picked up in the off-season who do not belong on this team. Too many Crezdon Butlers, Marcus Thigpens, and Brandon Dixons to name a few.
-Cap increase due to CBS and DirectTV contracts.
Free Agency:
-The Bucs need to make 4 free agency moves. They will have the dollars to make it happen.
-Bucs should pursue a defensive game changer in FA. Put DE Greg Hardy on the left side.
-Bucs need a strong run blocker to secure the O-line and improve the run game. Put All-Pro OG Mike Iupati on the left side to replace Logan Mankins.
-Bucs should add a veteran CB with man coverage skills – veteran CB Brandon Flowers will be a UFA in 2015. He is the 2nd ranked CB by ProfootballFocus.com and has 23 tackles, 2 INTs, and 7 pass break-ups this season. Move Alterraun Verner to the slot to replace Leonard Johnson. Verner hasn’t shown that he can play on the outside.
Bucs should add a big MLB (another Urlacher) and move Mason Foster to the strong side. WLB/MLB K.J. Wright/Seahawks can fill the ticket.
2015 Draft
-Round 1 – Draft QB Marcus Mariota/Oregon or Jameis Winston/FSU
-Round 2 – Draft 6-5 WR Dorial Green-Beckham/Oklahoma to replace Vincent Jackson.
-Round 2 – Trade back into the 2nd to draft FS Cody Prewitt/Ole Miss. We need a big hard-hitting FS that can cover deep to replace Mark Barron and/or Dashon Goldson. Or sit still and take SS Durell Eskridge/Syracuse in the 3rd round.
-Round 3 – Draft CB Cam Thomas/W. Kentucky. Need a long speedy CB to pair with Johnthan Banks on the outside.
-Round 4 – Draft OT Darryl Williams/Oklahoma. OT Kevin Pamphile is developing. Move FA bust OT Anthony Collins inside to ROG.
-Remaining rounds – Draft DE, MLB, RB, C. Get punter from UDFA class.
November 11th, 2014 at 10:36 am
Did Brandt say here are the Bucs Position draft needs in order of importance? I thought he was just naming the 3 major needs and all of the seniors in those perspective categories. It’s interesting that he also put them in alphabetical order. I’d like to see the segment in order to find out.
November 11th, 2014 at 10:36 am
“What’s interesting is Brandt thinks the Bucs need two offensive linemen. But if they’re keeping Collins — at guard in this scenario — and drafting a left tackle, then who else on the Bucs’ O-line does Brandt think should get bounced?” – Joe
The center that cost us at least 3 games.
November 11th, 2014 at 10:37 am
I don’t think there is a QB I would take with the high (high!) pick. Unless we trade back, you take a playmaker
November 11th, 2014 at 10:37 am
Yup, because having every free agency session in recent memory horribly backfire on us, lets go out and spend even more money on free agents. Jesus Christ, when will people learn? Packers have 48 players on their roster who’ve only played for Green Bay. Build it, don’t buy it.
November 11th, 2014 at 10:43 am
“Joe would love to see Collins forced to compete”
Welcome to the party Joe! I have been tirelessly beating the drum that NONE of the terrible over-priced FAs had to compete for their jobs this year. I never saw one piece on this site that remotely alluded to this BS situation, much less directly addressing it.
How about seeing all of these horsesht FAs being forced to compete? We had some great vet competition on this team when do-no-wrong Lovie and his lapdog GM showed up and kicked all the available competition out on the street. Oops. Dipshts.
November 11th, 2014 at 10:47 am
@Macabee
I agree with some of what you said. Here are the points I don’t…
“Sign a veteran CB”
No. Banks his growing more rapidly than Barber did. He’ll work out. Verner, when healthy, is good enough.
“Round 2 – Draft 6-5 WR Dorial Green-Beckham/Oklahoma to replace Vincent Jackson.”
No. We can get a WR in free agency if the need arises. But it wouldn’t matter if we do not fix the oline. Go oline in Rnd 2.
“Round 3 – Draft CB”
No. See above. Draft oline again.
“Bucs need a strong run blocker to secure the O-line and improve the run game. Put All-Pro OG Mike Iupati…”
And just where would the money come from to do all this? We still have to resign David. You are dreaming on both him and Hardy. Won’t happen.
It’s easy to say “get this guy” or “get that guy”, but the truth is it rarely happens. I don’t think half of what you suggest is remotely possible, but maybe a couple things are.
November 11th, 2014 at 10:48 am
Bucrightoff wants Lovie to do nothing and get fired. Even he’s not that stupid, you idiot!
November 11th, 2014 at 10:49 am
Mike10 Says
“I don’t think there is a QB I would take with the high (high!) pick. Unless we trade back, you take a playmaker”
And THAT is why the Bucs have never had a true franchise QB. You MUST invest in first round QBs to get one.
Freeman didn’t work out. So what? Time to try again. Besides, he almost worked out. Came closer than anyone else, including Doug Williams.
November 11th, 2014 at 10:49 am
If Collins was a starting caliber OLmen at any line position….he would HAVE BEEN !….he’ll be 30 next year for crying out loud….trash his ass and move on…
November 11th, 2014 at 10:50 am
Personally, I think with the new NFL rules, a young Brad Johnson would look like Tom Brady out there.
November 11th, 2014 at 10:57 am
Actually, I don’t want Lovie building up a roster made of FAs, both because it never works, and will leave us in a deeper hole when he gets fired.
I get that Lovie is going to acquire FAs, both because he loves vets and hates young guys, and is in danger of being canned if he doesn’t turn it around quickly. Unfortunately our team is going to be worse in the long run from this approach. I’d be way more behind Lovie is he came in day 1 and said this team is awful, needs to be built in the draft and will take years to be competitve. Instead we’re once again pursuing shortcuts to get immediately results at the expense of the long term. How is this any different than what Gruden did?
November 11th, 2014 at 11:01 am
@ Macabee
Thanks for your work on this and I tend to agree with many of your suggestions…..
except…..I think we should keep Glennon to compete with a QB chosen later in the draft….think we should trade down for xtra picks….select QB like Cook or Petty
except…..Mike James……believe he has a place with Rainey & Sims & is inexpensivve.
Don’t think NE will take Mankins back….
November 11th, 2014 at 11:33 am
Should have kept Last years Oline
November 11th, 2014 at 12:31 pm
Interesting that he does not list Winston (FSU), Mariota (Oregon), Hundley (UCLA) or Prescott (MSU) in his list of possible QB’s. Is this because they are underclassmen and may not declare for the draft or does he not see them as top QB talents??? I have not heard much talk about QB: Sean Mannion (Oregon State), Garrett Grayson (Colorado State) and only a little chatter about Bryce Petty (Baylor).
November 11th, 2014 at 12:37 pm
Underclassmen QB
Dak Prescott
November 11th, 2014 at 1:04 pm
I just dont agree with moving an LT that gets routinely bowled over by d ends to Guard. The guy plays with no strength at all. We need Guards that can move the line. Thats the biggest issue right now. We have no push.
November 11th, 2014 at 1:30 pm
No thanks for Vic Beasley out of Clemson. The Bucs have terrible history drafting Clemson DL players.
November 11th, 2014 at 1:35 pm
Security guard!
November 11th, 2014 at 1:37 pm
LOL!!!
November 11th, 2014 at 2:09 pm
And now Incognito is working out for the Broncos…..Missed the Boat there…..lol
November 11th, 2014 at 3:10 pm
Anybody but Cousins. This guy is the definition of bum.
November 11th, 2014 at 3:45 pm
Do you think Patrick Omameh is the answer at Guard. I’m starting to worry about you Joe. I think you need take a sabbatical or something.
November 11th, 2014 at 3:51 pm
It’s funny the list is the exact same as it was when Schiano and Dominik were sent packing.
November 11th, 2014 at 4:01 pm
macabee, Great thinking, but what makes you think those FAs will want to come to tampa after they go 1-15?
Would you?
November 11th, 2014 at 4:39 pm
And Donald Penn is being praised , for another near pro bowl year.
10 times the player Collins is . Right now. Today
Foolish to let him go. One of the all time great Bucs. Never appreciated by some idiots here, because we didn’t have to spend a first round pick on him.
Truly sad how under appreciated Penn was while he was here. I bet we struggle for 10 years to find another tackle as good as he was.
And we deserve to!!
November 11th, 2014 at 5:42 pm
what a shame to march donald penn out the door and bring in a guy about the same age with a fraction of the track record for similar money and a longer commitment. collins is not talented enough to be an NFL tackle and he is not tough enough to be an NFL guard.
November 11th, 2014 at 6:36 pm
Great post Macabee. Far and away the best post I have seen out here.
All of u morons who love Penn so much must only have watched any games last year where he was getting pushed around like Collins is this year.
Donald Penn is playing on a winless teams and he is one of the reasons they have that lowly status.
Singing his praises. What a hoot.
November 11th, 2014 at 7:20 pm
@Macabee
Great Post
Beat Me 2 it this year…lol
November 11th, 2014 at 7:32 pm
Still wish we would’ve signed Flowers
LUVMYBUCS Says:
June 13th, 2014 at 7:31 pm
LUVMYBUCS Says:
May 6th, 2014 at 6:45 pm
Chiefs reportedly ‘willing to deal’ Brandon Flowers. I’m sure he would clear waivers, and hit the open market. Would be great if he returned home to Florida, and paired up with Verner.
Note: Flowers is an excellent cover 2 corner.
LUVMYBUCS Says:
June 13th, 2014 at 8:02 pm
Flowers had been scheduled to earn a $250,000 workout bonus, $2 million upon reporting to training camp, and another $5.25 million in base salary for the season. In 2015 he was scheduled to earn the same workout bonus and $6.25 million in base salary.
The release leaves the Chiefs with $3 million in dead money in 2014 and another $4 million in dead money in 2015. This dead money comes from the remaining prorations of a $10 million signing bonus paid in 2011 and another $4 million bonus paid just last year for salary cap relief.
ALSO
DE Robert Ayers
LUVMYBUCS Says:
April 1st, 2014 at 10:12 pm
Hopefully we Sign-DE Robert Ayers
DE Robert Ayers (28)- In 2013, played in (15 games) with (3) starts.
• (29) Tackles,
• (5.5) Sacks
• (1) Forced fumble
November 11th, 2014 at 11:05 pm
Ddneast- might wanna check out article in “sporting News” Penn has always played at Probowl level. No one disputes that- except a few clueless zombies here in Tampa.
“Sporting new” said many of Penns struggles last year, were due to trying to cover for weak Left guard Play.
They said he was the brightest spot for the raiders this year( granted- they don’t have many). Don’t be surprised to see him in the ProBowl again- although probably an alternate.
I agreed with the other line moves- but Penn? Clueless.
Way to be uninformed, and rag on an all time great Buc.
Sometimes I think this area gets the team it deserves, because some of the are so damn dumb.
You just keep cheering for Collins, Buddy- how’s that working out for you?